RC6. Our charity wants to change to some new activities. Can we do this?

RC6. Our charity wants to change to some new activities. Can we do this?

Short answer

Perhaps. First, a charity wishing to start new programs or activities should make sure that the new activities are in step with its objects. Then, it should consult the Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to check that the new program or activity is charitable and falls within the scope of the charity’s approved purposes (objects).

Long answer

Your charity should send the Charities Directorate a detailed description of the proposed program or activity, as well as any related promotional material (brochures, posters, or newsletters).

In some cases, a charity may have to alter its purpose so that it has a basis for taking on the new activities. If this is the case, after the charity has amended its purposes, it has to send the revised governing documents to the Charities Directorate. Detailed information on the process of changing a charity’s purposes can be found at Changing a Charity's Purposes